Annual Pioneer Energy Central Otago Dinner Club

The 2026 Central Otago Dinner Club, proudly supported by Pioneer Energy, takes place on Friday 16 October at The Packing Shed. Every dollar raised goes to Otago Community Hospice services in Central Otago.

The evening brings together great local food, generous supporters and plenty of laughs. Entertainer Jonathan Usher returns as MC, and Peter Hishon of Tall Poppy Real Estate takes the auctioneer's gavel.

Pieces of Olympic history

Two outstanding pieces of New Zealand Olympic memorabilia headline this year's auction:

• Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's training snowboard. This Burton Blossom was Zoi's primary board in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. It carries her personal stickers and comes with a signed letter of authentication.

• Finn Butcher's signed Paris 2024 team shirt. Alexandra's own Olympic kayak cross champion wore this shirt at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. It is professionally framed and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.

Both items will also be listed on Trade Me, so supporters who can't attend can still bid.

Live auction highlights

The live auction offers something for everyone, including:

• A signed cricket ball from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

• A Winston Peters tie and pocket square

• A signed shovel from Hon Shane Jones

• A private dinner party for eight, prepared by Chef Rose Lock of Bacchus, with entertainment from Jonathan Usher

• A night at Earnscleugh Castle with dinner at The Bank Restaurant, Clyde

• A Mackenzie getaway at Lakestone Lodge, with a Grand Traverse flight and gliding at Omarama

• A Garrick Tremain painting and a limited edition Sir Edmund Hillary signed $5 note

Silent auction

The silent auction runs throughout the evening and closes at 9.30pm. Items include a Grahame Sydney print, a Highlands Motorsport Park experience, a Jeroboam of Bounder Pinot Noir, a Touch Yarns blanket and a signed Highlanders jersey.

Thank you

The Dinner Club would not be possible without the generosity of our community. Thank you to Pioneer Energy, The Packing Shed and the more than 55 local businesses and supporters who have donated items and services. The 2023 dinner raised a record $40,000 for hospice services in the region, and we're hoping to make this year even bigger.

Follow the links to our Trade me auction here:

Finn Butcher Signed Paris 2024 Olympic Team Shirt

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/sports-memorabilia/other/listing/6167205343

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's Training Snowboard

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/sports-memorabilia/other/listing/6167207346